A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about appropriate actions to take when a client threatens to harm a specific individual. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?
- A. "I need to make sure that the potential victim is warned."
- B. "I need to keep the information confidential due to the client's right to privacy."
- C. "I can only discuss the client’s threats with a court order."
- D. "I should verbally report this information to the psychiatrist."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. When a client threatens harm to a specific individual, the appropriate action is to ensure the safety of the potential victim by warning them. This is crucial in preventing harm and fulfilling the nurse's duty to protect life. Option B is incorrect because in cases of potential harm, confidentiality can be breached to protect others. Option C is incorrect as waiting for a court order delays necessary action. Option D is incorrect as immediate action should be taken rather than waiting for a psychiatrist's involvement.
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A nurse is performing a mental status examination (MSE) on a client who has a new diagnosis of dementia. Which of the following components should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Grooming
- B. Long-term memory
- C. Support systems
- D. Affect
- E. Presence of pain
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: The correct choices for the nurse to include in the MSE for a client with dementia are A, B, and D. Grooming is important to assess the client's self-care ability, which can be impacted by dementia. Long-term memory is essential in evaluating cognitive decline typically seen in dementia. Affect assessment helps determine emotional responses and can indicate changes in mood associated with dementia. Support systems (choice C) are not typically part of the MSE but are relevant for treatment planning. Presence of pain (choice E) is important but not a traditional component of a mental status examination.
A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the facility in critical condition following a cerebrovascular accident. The client's son says to the nurse, "I wish I could stay, but I need to go home to see how my children are doing. I really hate to leave." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "Perhaps you could call your children to see how they are doing."
- B. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of your parent while you are gone."
- C. "You are feeling drawn in two separate directions."
- D. "There's nothing you can do here. You should go home to your children."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer C: The nurse should acknowledge the son's feelings of being torn between staying with his parent and going home to his children. This response demonstrates empathy and understanding of the son's emotional struggle, validating his concerns. By acknowledging his conflicting emotions, the nurse can help the son process his feelings and make a decision that aligns with his needs and responsibilities.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: This response does not address the son's emotional conflict and does not offer support or validation.
B: This response focuses on the nurse's care for the parent, disregarding the son's emotional needs.
D: This response dismisses the son's concerns and suggests leaving without considering his emotional state or responsibilities.
A nurse is caring for a client who reports bilateral knee pain after hiking this past weekend in the mountains on rough ground. He says he is concerned because his cousin died from bone cancer recently. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Tell the client that it is unlikely that he has bone cancer.
- B. Ask the client why he thinks the pain isn't a result of hiking.
- C. Suggest genetic testing so the client can understand his risks.
- D. Explain that the provider will see him and determine a course of action.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should provide reassurance while ensuring proper medical evaluation.
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. The client states, "The government is forcing thoughts into my brain through satellites." The nurse should document that the client is experiencing which of the following types of delusions?
- A. Persecution
- B. Erotomanic
- C. Somatic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Persecutory delusions involve irrational beliefs that one is being targeted or harmed by external forces.
A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and is scheduled for immediate chemotherapy. The client tells the nurse that she wants to try nontraditional treatments first. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "Using nontraditional treatments is not a good idea. I'd rather you avoid that route."
- B. "Your provider is very knowledgeable. If he prescribes chemotherapy, it's the best treatment for you."
- C. "A lot of people think nontraditional treatments will work, and they find out too late that they made the wrong choice."
- D. "Tell me more about your concerns about taking chemotherapy."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exploring the client’s concerns helps build trust and encourages shared decision-making.